Obituary of Matthew Thomas Taylor

Matthew (Matt) Thomas Taylor, 55, passed away on March 18, in Palm Bay, Florida.

Born in Dayton, Ohio, he was the son of Tom and Connie Steinmetz.  Early in life his parents separated and Connie married John Taylor of Wilmington, OH.  John adopted Matt as his son and raised him as his own.  The Taylor family moved to Melbourne, FL in 1977 and Matt spent the majority of his life in the Melbourne area. As a child he could often be found on the ball fields of Eau Gallie South Little League. He attended Eau Gallie High School where he played baseball and football.   Matt served in the United States Navy as a  Petty Officer.   He was an Air Traffic Controller during Operation Desert Storm.  After his naval service,  he was employed as an insurance adjuster by various firms, ultimately starting his own firm TaylorMade Public Adjusting.  He had a passion for all things baseball and softball, playing on several Navy and local teams.  When not playing himself, he was coaching or cheering on his children and grandchildren.  He was a man of devout faith who put God first in all things.  He always had a big smile and bigger heart.  Above all he was a Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle,  and Friend to everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years Danya Taylor (Jones), daughter Teri Thurman, son Joshua Gifford, son Zachary Taylor, sister Starla Starr, brother Brent Taylor, father Tom Steinmetz and grandchildren: Tessa, Amelia, Connor, Madelyn, Justin, Kloe, Landon, Jameson, Lena, Fallon and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents John Taylor and Connie Taylor Williams.

A celebration of life will be announced by the family at a later date.